The Federal Government, on Wednesday, distributed palliatives to 47,020 vulnerable households in Enugu State to cushion the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
SEE ALSO: Divided Country: Presidency Responds to Obasanjo’s Harsh Critique
The palliative items included 1,584.09 tonnes (53 trailer loads) of maize and 766.9 tonnes (about 26 trailer loads) of garri (cassava flakes).
Sadiya Farouq, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, who presented the items to the state government in Enugu, said the palliatives were for vulnerable households that depended largely on others for their daily survival.
Farouq noted that the gesture showed Federal Government’s commitment to cater for the vulnerable and the downtrodden in the society affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
She said “we are here to present to you, assorted grains from the National Food Reserve, approved by President Muhammadu Buhari as palliative for distribution to vulnerable persons affected by the restriction directive to curtail the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Farouq, who was represented by Mr Charles Anaelo, the Deputy Director in the ministry, said “we all know that the outbreak of the pandemic has brought about changes and challenges to our normal ways of living.
“Most obvious of this is on the vulnerable persons that depend largely on others for their daily survival.”
She listed such vulnerable persons to include the aged, people living with disabilities and persons of concerns that deserved support in terms of basic necessities including foods.
The Deputy Governor of the state, Mrs Cecilia Ezeilo, thanked President Buhari for remembering Enugu State for the palliatives, especially vulnerable households in the state.
Ezeilo, who represented Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, noted that the Buhari administration had continued to give special attention to issues concerning the state.
According to him, just two weeks ago, President Buhari reopened the newly upgraded and rehabilitated Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.
“On behalf of the entire state, I appreciate President Muhammadu Buhari for this special intervention, as well as the minister for the gesture to give succour to our vulnerable people.
“It will be distributed judiciously to the vulnerable persons mentioned,’’ she assured.